UNP pledges support to Government on Constitutional reforms

Irangika RANGE and Sandasen MARASINGHE

The UNP yesterday pledged its support to the Government in its initiation to amend the Constitution if the reforms are brought through the committees headed by Ministers Dinesh Gunawardene, D. E. W. Gunasekara and Professor Tissa Vitarana.

Opposition Leader and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at the Committee Stage debate on the Budget 2010, stated over 90 percent of his party was in agreement with the proposals made by the Party Representative Committee (APRC) chaired by Prof. Tissa Vitarana.

He said the UNP is for the proposals to abolish the Executive Presidency. He also stated although the UNP did not make representations at the Committee, it had been informed of the details of these proposals.

Minister Gunawardene has already submitted an interim report with recommendations to reform the electoral system.

In addition, D. E. W. Gunasekara has worked out a report that includes proposals into the shortcomings in the 17th Amendment.